Sydney: Hepatitis A issued for patrons of Sokyo restaurant

Health officials in New South Wales (NSW) are warning recent visitors to Sokyo restaurant at The Star in Sydney that a staff member has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, said the risk of anyone developing the infection is considered low and there is no ongoing risk to other diners.

However, Dr Sheppeard said anyone who dined at Sokyo during the dates specified may have been exposed to hepatitis A and should visit their GP if concerned:

20-24 September

26 and 27 September

29 September to 2 October

4-8 October.

Authorities believe the food handler acquired the infection overseas during a recent holiday, and the case is not related to the ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A in Sydney.

Image/OpenClipart-Vectors

The NSW Food Authority confirmed processes and hygiene systems at Sokyo are robust and the restaurant will continue operating uninterrupted.

“There is a safe and effective hepatitis A vaccine available through GPs for those who are worried,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“But the hepatitis A vaccination is not considered necessary on the basis of this low risk exposure.”

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. The first symptoms are usually loss of appetite, nausea, fever and stomach pains, followed several days later by dark urine, pale stools and yellowing of the skin (jaundice).

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. But two doses of hepatitis A vaccine, six months apart, provides lifetime protection against this infection.

“Most people with hepatitis A in Australia catch the infection overseas, through eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water or coming into direct contact, including sexual contact, with an infectious person,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“NSW Health is grateful for the cooperation of Sokyo while assessing the situation and assisting in the prevention of any further risk for staff or patrons.”